St. Robert of Newminster Parish at 6477 Ada Drive, Ada, MI 49301 US - Youth Ministry
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Youth Ministry |
We invite you to learn more about the St. Robert's Youth Ministry Program at www.strobertyouth.org WHAT IS YOUTH MINISTRY?
Youth Director - Philip Dezern
676-9111 ext. 30
pdezern@strobertchurch.org
It is often asked “What’s Youth Ministry?” The answer is that youth ministry is a collection of non-classroom activities that are meant to bring youth closer to God, Church, and themselves through teaching and sharing. This definition does not mean to imply that the “collection of activities” is not linked. On the contrary, the “collection of activities” are meant to be building blocks. The more you participate in youth ministry the higher you climb on those blocks. Just as the term “non-classroom” does not imply that we do not teach. Youth Ministry sees its main task as to teach youth; we are just doing it on a 40-hour retreat or a 1-hour social instead of a 1-hour class setting. Youth Ministry enhances that which youth have and will continue to learn in faith formation classes.
So what are some of the activities for youth ministry? We will provide retreats, socials, bible studies, and prayer groups, along with providing opportunities for youth just to hang out in the parish life center. Youth are also able to participate in lecturing, Eucharistic ministering, ushering, altar serving, and singing at our Sunday Masses.
Email: PDezern@StRobertChurch.org
Another question we receive is that if our main thing is teaching, then what are the ways we teach; and what do we teach? We teach through a combination of discussion, talks, and experiences. We will highlight all aspects of Catholic teaching from life issues to liturgical documents. We use meditation, the rosary, guided prayer, and liturgy of the hours in our prayer activities. Our goal is to make the faith come alive in the lives of the youth present, so they recognize that Church is not just some place we go, but something we do each day of our lives.
The youth ministry program also runs a leadership program for high school students. This program is meant to teach youth about how to lead share group discussion, give talks, and lead prayer. This leadership program has youth learn advanced theology, psychology, and human development. This program provides a base of knowledge for leadership that can be taken well beyond the Church. Our students that complete this program are able to take their skills into their classroom, workplace, and home life.
Youth Ministry, through its activities, teachings, and caring for students works to build a complete person in God’s image. We work to develop social relationships, spiritual thought, and a kind heart. Youth Ministry serves youth, but does so with an eye toward the future. This future is reliant on our young people being taught the basic skills of human responsibility. The future also relies upon our young people thinking in a Godly manner. The youth ministry program at St. Robert of Newminster strives to provide these things to our young people. It is a great journey we travel with our young people, and it is hoped that it is a great future that is being created.
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